The Legacy of Mary Main: A Lifelong Partnership in Attachment Research

Klaus and Mary Main's journey in attachment research spans over 50 years, filled with professional collaborations and personal bonds. The first encounter happened in 1973 at Mary Ainsworth's lab in Baltimore, where their mutual interest in attachment research blossomed. Both launched longitudinal studies around the same time, exchanging unpublished findings enthusiastically. Mary Main's insights expanded the understanding of attachment by emphasizing the role of play, enthusiasm, and communication quality.She also introduced the concept of disorganized attachment in infants who didn't fit traditional classifications. In Regensburg, Mary trained the research team to assess young adults' attachment memories. When Klaus retired in 2003, Mary reflected on their enduring partnership dedicated to advancing attachment development.